In his fortnightly column MARK SEDDON reflects on the death of Major Oak and why such ancient trees matter to us

The world’s largest communist party marked its 105th birthday this week — and remains true to its principles and firm in its course, says OLIVER VARGAS

The left has become too reliant on persuasion and too detached from the workplaces and communities it seeks to represent, argues NICK TROY

RAMZY BAROUD highlights how Israel’s ambassador sought to shut down UN officials documenting sexual violence and abuses against Palestinians

The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has had far-reaching consequences, including a boost to Pakistan’s regional standing, argues ROGER McKENZIE

The recent heatwaves revealed how ill-prepared Britain remains for a hotter future – and how unequal the ability to cope with it has become, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT

The drive to strengthen European defence is reshaping relations between France, Germany, Italy and Britain, says NICK WRIGHT